I had Roux-En-Y open gastric bypass 14.5 years ago. It was a tool that saved my life. Third most important decision I have ever made and just like the other two decisions, this one has been very successful for me. I will never forget that it is a tool, not a solution. I take my prenatal vitamins daily and my blood work is always good. I don't eat junk (well not often) and I make my nutrition count. I exercise (I was seven years post-op before I started this).

Of course the bottom line is that you have to do what you feel is what is best for you. We are all different. I only relate my experience when an organ was removed, there were repercussions that I did not know about and was not warned about. My GB was removed 25 years ago due to some irregular aching in the back and a borderline cholecystogram. I did not know about alternatives at the time and, being in the western medical system, went along with the surgery. "Well you don;t really need a GB. It just stores the bile." Well the pain did not go away (later discovered it was a trigger point). And I still have sand in my bile duct. I was not told I had to take bile salts and liver support for the rest of my life. There is a purpose for a GB after all - to help with fat digestion which has a lot of metabolic downstream results. I'm concerned that removal of any part of the body needs to be evalutated in terms of what one will have to do for the rest of one's life to make up for that, since often the doctor's don't know or don't tell you. Good luck to you whatever you do.

Miamuse, I am not looking at the Lap Band as it is not covered by our medical plan here in Ontario. Either way I go for treatment for my hiatus hernia will involve surgery on the stomach, with life changing after effects. The medical team and myself will have to figure out which way is most beneficial to my future health and wellbeing.

I am also a nurse. I would not have this done. STill if I were morbidly obese I would explore every other alternative treatment before even considering this. I had a patient who was morbidly obese and worked with her using an alternative therapy (and she was doing lots of other alternative therapies as well as diet and exercise). AFter about about 6 months she started dropping weight and lost substantial weight. My fear is that the band is a foreign matter in the body and the body is programmed to reject foreign bodies...also that the band is a quick fix which may not actually be conducive to doing the life style changes which accompany good health. I have had two "routine" elective surgeries in my life which have had long term repercussions and I'm not going to go that route again.

I have already been doing a lot of research, also have the advantage of being a former nurse so the medical terms and such I do understand. I really hope that it will eliminate the GERD, and help me get back to a healthy weight as well. Yes, there are a lot of nasty things that can happen if you don't follow the guidelines set out, but at this point in my life I am sure that I can deal with them. :)

i have had gastric bypass in dec 2013 it has helped me to lose weight but theres alot to take in that you will need to do to help yourself and side effects thats are kind of hard to deal with i say do some research and if it is something you are ok with then do it :)

http://www.terrorsofmen.com/ the website of the most inspiring man i know

Hi all, Just starting out on my WLS journey, having had my initial group teaching session last week and decided to go for broke and have the surgery. My primary goal is not weight loss, so much as to have no more GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or really nasty heartburn where I wake up in the middle of the night with my throat and sometimes nose burning from the stomach acid that has bubbled up while I was lying down. I live in fear of waking up choking on food, or having the nasty burning and coughing fits that follow my waking up. I have fought with GERD for several years now, but only just found out that I have a hiatus hernia. My stomach is pushing up into my oesophagus causing food to be pushed back up into my throat and mouth.

Because I am a type two diabetic, have high blood pressure, my BMI is over 35, and I have arthritis in my hips and knees my surgeon feels that WLS would be a better option for me than to do the usual fundoplication (creating a new valve from part of the upper stomach) that would prevent anything from moving up into my oesophagus. I am looking forward to this journey, I realize that it will be hard and will require lifelong changes, but since I already have so many issues with what I can eat already, I think that I am up to the challenge... No, I know I am up to the challenges ahead. I have over a year before any surgery to make the lifestyle changes that are needed to prepare for it, and be ready for the after surgery challenges.

I am looking forward to the day when I can throw away all the medications I am on, or drastically reduce them, and to fit into normal size clothing instead of the XXL or XXXL sizes.

If you are so easily deterred, you may want to do so. If you aren't willing to research and learn you may not be motivated enough for success.There are numerous types of surgery, surgeons have varying levels of skill. Even with surgery it takes determination and lots of concious effort to be successful and to maintain weight loss.

That being said, WLS CAN be a life saving procedure for the morbidly obese. RNY has allowed me to be healthier and more active at 60 than at 47. After all those years I am still down 210 pounds. It can be done and it IS done by others who have been more successful than I have.

It is Still necessary to make better choices every day and to exercise as the physical condition allows. WLS does help a person feel full provided the person does not again train themselves to ignore the signals.

Over 30 years I gained and lost over 100 pounds several different times. Never could I maintain a loss before surgery. What a blessing I received July 8, 2002!

Hi Sicki also am disabled since 2000 i have many levels fused in my back and all levels but 1 in my neck fused i cant work in 2009 i had a lapband put in i worked so hard at it i lost 105 pounds it was so great but then i needed another back surgery which kept me down for 5 months and then i had shoulder surgery and then eye surgery (corrective not lasik) and now im back up to 340 pounds and yes i know how u feel about people not understanding you cant move as well being disabled i try to walk 1/2 mile a day but with this asthma that all of a sudden appeared its hard they are removing my lapband on may 5th and doing gastric bypass in august im a little bit nervouse but i say heck you only live once im 53 yrs old and i feel i have a full life ahead of me and i wanna do what evee it takes to get to the point where i can do what i want and maybe even go back to work one day hang in there you have a friend in me add me as a friend in case you ever wanna chat im always online ....have a great day my sparks friend

From every thing I've heard so far, surgery seems to be a good idea or many people.I don't qualify, but if I did, I might consider it. Yes, I've lost weight by diet and exercise, but it was really, really, really hard. Nobody tells you that you can stick to a diet and exercise program faithfully and still have long plateaus!! Sometimes, the body may need a little help!

Not sure what addiction you are speaking of. Ten 11.5 years out I still deal with the same issues as before surgery. Agreed one must be prepared to do everything that is required to make the tool (surgery) work.

Good to hear that it worked for both you and your spouse. Many people don't speak about the differences in processing food, trading one addiction for another, or bodily changes - other than the weight loss. Thank you for sharing.

I am 10 years post RNY open by-pass. I have lost nearly 150 pounds at my most, but have gained back about 25. I refuse to gain back anymore than this and when I get to this point, I know I need to buckle down. I am 62 years young and want to be around for many more. The biggest problems that I have recently faced is that I got lax on taking my vitamins. Remember to do this every day! A good chewable multi is best. I was doing a monthly B12 shot, but this recently has been proven to be ineffective, so I have gone to a daily chewable. After having some difficulties getting my potassium regulated, I was told to take a vitamin D daily as this helps absorption. Another problem post RNY is kidney stones, which I have heard is not unusual. Caclium should be eaten (dairy foods), not taken as a supplement. Not getting enough protein will cause hair to fall out. Does your daughter still see her surgeon regularly for followup? does she go to a support group? These can be very helpful. I went regularly until I moved to a smaller community that doesnt have one.

I said a prayer for your daughter and for you. She MAY need to make some food choice changes. Please don't panic about hair loss and a "not quite right" look. Both happen. When the body is losing so rapidly hair loss often occurs. Her body is absorbing little fat so she likely has dry skin. This too will correct itself. As to her vitamins, if she is an adult, she is responsible for that. It is unlikely that she will die from it. It is more likely that she will get a little worn out and look for ways to make it better. Nagging, etc. are unlikely to produce the result you he for. It is more likely to push her toward the kinds of unhealthy habits that caused her to gain weight.

My daughter had it done. She lost 100lbs in 8 months. She looks sick. She takes no vitamins, doesn't eat healthy when she does eat. Did not exercise at all. I'm very concerned for her health. She had the surgery at 230 now she's 130. I don't have a problem with her getting the surgery, I have a problem that she's not taking care of herself. She changed nothing, except the amount of food she eats. Her hair is falling out, she doesn't look right, and she won't listen to anyone. She thinks everybody is jealous of her. As her mom, I'm very concerned about her.

I am prepared to do whatever they tell me to do. I have not been to see the bariatric dr yet. Just trying to get as much info as I can on it. So far, everyone I have read posts from say it is the best thing they ever did. I have just recently moved to a different city so I do not know of anyone here to refer me to a dr, so I think I have found one that I may like and will make an appt. I have to have some dental work first so that is what I am working on now. Thanks, I will post again at a later date. Congratulations on keeping your weight off.

Welcome. If you are prepared to follow the instructions from your team it can be a lifesaver and life changer. Have you been to any meetings yet?

I weighed 420 and had RNY in 2002. Lost 220 pounds and have kept 200 to 210 of it off for all these years. Exercise has been key for me. It is still a challenge every day. Well worth it. Good luck and keep us posted.

I am 44 and weigh 328 and am looking into the gastric bypass. I have Type 2 diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure and really need to get this weight off and can not seem to do it myself. I am hoping to get some good info here.

My name is Stacy I just went to the Information Session for the Gastric Bypass and in a couple of weeks I should get my first set of appointments. I am 43 yrs old and live in Toronto, Canada. I can tell you I am nervous and excited all in one. I already started to make a list of things/food I need that way I can get things slowly before the surgery so I don't have to spend so much money all at once. I would love to stay in touch with you to chat back and forth to see how you and your husband are doing during this journey.

My name is Jessica and I am on my journey to getting Gastric Bypass. I will be meeting with my surgeon in January to hopefully get a date. The cool thing is my husband is also getting gastric bypass so we will have each other to lean on.

I am hoping to meet some new people who are going through this journey as well, weather its the start or you had surgery already.

I am 26 and live in Michigan. We started our path October 1st. So far i am down 12 pounds. I only have 8 more to go to meet my pre surgery goal. Its hard for me to lose weight because i am type 1 diabetic.

We joined LifeTime fitness and i am obsessed with the pool. I love to swim laps in the lap pool. I may be slow but im moving for 45 minutes straight so its something other than being a couch potato.

Just had my surgery on 10-28-2013, feel pretty good, still on phase 2 diet, will start phase 3 this week, I have lose 50 lbs since I started the pre diet, so ready for a change in diet, I have been experiencing stomach pain when I get up in the morning and don't know why. I go to the doctor tommorrow I hope he has a answer. I think this procedure is the best thing I ever did. Hope things go well with you. Good Luck.

I had a gastric bypass done on 09/27/2013 at Orlando health. A friend of mine had one done in Kissimmee Fl about 2 years ago. I am now thinking she had a sleeve performed and not a full bypass. After her surgery she was up and about like nothing. I am still taking it slow and have a G-tube that will be removed on 11/02/2013.

Please make sure you do your research. I choose the full gastric bypass because I was afraid I would pay all this money and not loose weight. Well I am loosing weight, and its funny I don't crave things. If I have too much sugar I get really sick. I can only eat a very little bit at a time, so I now really eat well and good tasting foods because I have to chew for like 20-30 times. I have lost over 30# in the first 3.5 weeks. it does come off...

I have not had any surgery, but as a nurse I see what happens when things go wrong. My advice to avoid problems is to take the vitamins and drink the protein shakes. Those who don't are the ones I see mostly.

I had Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) surgery in 2006; my wife had it in 2005. (Parents of three children can NOT have it done at the same time!) Things have been successful - I've lost close to 150 lbs., and my wife has lost almost 140. We've stalled at the moment; our bodies are "comfortable" where they are now - this is the least I've weighed since 7th grade!

Some things to notice: Gastric bypass surgery makes you process foods MUCH differently than before. Because of that, there is a HIGH risk of developing alcoholism - been there, dodged the bullet. Avoid it if at all possible. Also, your system will tend to be more acidic than before; my dentist has noticed there's been a change in the general health of my teeth, even though there has been no change in the way I take care of them. If you don't floss, START. One other thing - you will never "poop" the same way ever again. (Actually, I think of that one as a benefit; just be aware that it's OK.)

I am healthier now than ever before - I have completely reversed the onset of Diabetes; and, with exercise, can manage the arthritis better than before. Yes, I'm getting older, but with this assistance, life is assuredly getting better. I wish you the same.

Larry

"My Shepherd will supply my need." Living Above the Influence Anglican/Episcopal Team De Colores, Good Buddy!

My brother actually had the Lap Band done and he looks great. I also read in one of the SP articles that the medicial folks are finding that this procedure helps those who are not grossly obese and both are terrific for helping with diabetes.

My brother has thrown all his diabetes meds and equipment away.

I'm going to ask my Internist/primary physician about this for me next time I go in.

Renie

PS. Have you tried emailing our nutrition specialists about a more WLS-friendly plan?

I love SparkPeople. I had my WLS in 2000, so I'm 13 years out. Why can't I find a wls friendly meal plan on SP? I love the nutrition tracker, but I need a lot more protein then they recommend. Any ideas?

I have my blood work checked every six months, so far so good. I do take all my vitamins and supplements everyday. I have been using the food tracker since I started SP a week ago, there has only been one day I was within my suggested range for calories, or anything else for that matter and I feel like I eat all day long. I only eat my three meals a day and a snack, so maybe I could change that a little bit. My plan was to go to gym in evenings between dinner and snack so maybe that will help. Thanks for the input, will keep everyone posted.

My bypass was in 2002 so I'm 11 years out. I lost 230 pounds and have regained 20. If you plan to eat a meal that includes carbs and some protein a couple hours before the gym it should work for you. Have another small meal after too. You may not need more to eat, you may just need to adjust when you eat.

Have you had blood work done recently? Maybe your iron or B12 are low.

I am new to SP and this is my first post. I had gastric bypass almost three years ago. I lost 110 pounds and have gained 15 back cause I stopped going to the gym. My question for everyone is this...I find it very hard to eat enough calories to give me enough energy to make it through my regular day. I want to start back to gym but not sure how I will be able to succeed without the energy. Any suggestions?

I had my R and Y surgery November 28, 2012. I had lost 30 lbs. The whole month of December all I was doing is losing 1 or 2 lbs a week. I have also had weeks where I have stalled out. I was so frustrated, so I went back to all my hand outs. It said to only eat a half to three-quarter size cup at one meal. I have done that and I have lost about 2 lbs a week sometimes more! The one thing I do not do is weigh myself everyday it is too frustrating. I have also joined TOPS and our weigh ins are on Wednesday and I use that for my weekly weigh in. Hope this helps!

Edited by: CJVEIK at: 3/19/2013 (16:04)

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/buddha101052.html#hmDphKpelWFm2bfx.99

I developed severe necrotizing pancreatitis and a pancreatic pseudocyst in August and was not able to eat for weeks on end. I was feed with a tube and hospitalized 5 times and as a consequence lost 30 pounds. Now I am doing Spark and am losing in a healthy way. I had considered WLS but now don't need it.

The journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

First, congrats on your success! I had my gastric bypass 1 1/2 yrs. Best decision I ever made. Only regret I did not do it sooner. Now to you question. Yes, I have experienced the same as you. I have also gone up and down with the same 2-3 lbs. Then all of a sudden I drop 4 lbs. Hang in there. Anything I can help you with just chat.

I have a question for anyone who has had gastric bypass before. First of all - I feel GREAT! I had surgery January 14, 2013 and have lost 35 pounds. I don't know if anyone feels like they stall in their weight loss - I do this often - I stay at the same weight for 4-5 days - then loose a couple, then stall again. Just wondered if this has happened to others

I had a Gastric Bypass Surgery 12/4/2012, two months and one week ago, Iíve lost 40 lbs. already, I was 240 lbs. when I started this journey. Havenít had any complications ďthank God.Ē I feel great. I was on Google searching this surgery for like a year prior and finally decided to go through with it. I donít regret it a bit, Iím starting to look different, I remember going up and down like a roller coaster, I would lose 10lbs. and gain 15lbs. back, it was so frustrating. I thank God and my mother for making this possible, my insurance covered the whole thing and Aflac gave $2400.00 for being out of work. What else could I ask for? Iím blessed. Best thing I ever did was this surgery, point black.

Since you are so near your surgery date, it is important for you to follow the food plan suggested by your surgical team. The food tracker is a wonderful tool for you to track what you eat though. The fitness tracker is fantastic too. Welcome aboard and keep us posted!

Hi, my name is Donna. I just had the DS procedure on the 3rd of October 2012.So far in just a few days past a month I am down 38 lbs. Not sure if that is pretty much on track or what. But I sure do feel a lot better. So far I have not had any complications, no nausea, no problems with food, etc.

I was having problems setting up my account because I didn't see an eating plan for WLS patients.

I agree with you, Dawn. Gastric bypass IS the answer for individuals who are motivated and are willing to follow post op instructions. My surgery and recovery 10 years ago was textbook as well. It has been a whole new life.

I had gastric bypass a little over 5 years ago. I was taking 600 units of insulin each day and decided it had to stop. Total I lost 120 lbs - I have since gained back about 15, so I am exercising more and watching what I eat very carefully.I can no longer drink plain water - I can drink flavored water (aquafina), I cannot drink ANYTHING carbonated. I struggle with chicken - more than a few bites will hurt. I don't eat anything with more than 5 grams of added sugar. I might be able to, but I know myself - all or nothing. When I eat one bite too much I can tell because I start to sneeze - about 3-4 times, and my nose runs - weird!My surgery was textbook - no issues, I stopped losing naturally - didn't lose too much ro too little. I am still on insulin, but unfortunately my endo thinks genetics works against me. But I only take 22 units vs. 600, so I feel it was a great move on my part. I will never have another piece of cake or cookies, and that's ok. That is what got me where I was in the first place.Maybe it isn't for everyone - that is something you and your doc need to decide, but for me it was good.

Hi Everyone. I had my gastric bypass surgery Jan. 23,2012. I am down 85 lbs. I feel fantastic! Even better, my emotional state is soaring. For the first time in my life I don't feel isolated, fat, or different than every one else. I still have to lose 25 more lbs. That is where Sparkpeople have made a remarkable difference in my life. How lucky I feel to be part of such a wonderful association, with all of you sharing this dream come true. I am blessed to have found you.

I had gastric bypass 9/2006 and went from 310 to 115 lbs. It was the best thing I ever did in my opinion. My problem was I lost too much weight and thought I started to look sick. So I intentionally tried to gain a little back but found it was really easy to fall back into old eating habits even though sugar still made me sick. I gained too much back, when I hit 180 I decided it was time for me to get on a healthy lifestyle (not diet). That is when I found SparkPeople, I love this site and the people, it has been a great help in getting healthy again. I am losing the extra weight slowly and exercising regularly. I have been to the gym more in the last 2 months then in my whole 38 years of life.

If you are considering barbaric surgery I recommend the gastric bypass but just be careful not to go to crazy and let yourself lose too much weight. But also do your best to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle that you can live with for the rest of your life. Barbaric surgery is only a tool to help you not a quick fix that is gonna do it all for you. Even if you decide to have a procedure, stick with this site for support and some great information on eating healthy and fitness.

I HAD MY LAP GASTRIC BYPASS TO TAKE THE WEIGHT OF MY KNEES(INJURED AT WORK) . AT FIRST WEIGHT CAME OFF AT A RESONABLE PACE BUT THEN HAD OTHER HEALTH ISSUES (DEPRESSION, ASTHMA ATTACKS, ALLERGIES,,,ETC,ETC)AND SURGERIES. MAJOR ISSUE RECURRING ASTHMA ATTACKS WITH PREDNISONE AS MEDICATION PRESCRIBED(WEIGHT GAIN OF 50LBS THAT DID NOT MOVE FOR OVER 15 MONTHS NO MATTER IF I INCREASED EXERCISE AND/OR CHANGED DIET). WEIGHT HAS STARTED TO DROP AGAIN I AM STARTING OVER AND WILL GO BAKE TO THE PROTEIN SHAKE REGIMEN IN ONE WEEK. GOAL IS NOW TO GET THE KNEES REPLACED BY SEPTEMBER 2012 AFTER WEIGHT LOSS OF 80LBS AS PRESCRIBED BY ORTHO SURGEON AND MAINTAIN AND/OR IMPROVE CURRENT LEVEL OF HEALTH

Hi!! I thought I would make a quick little post. I had lapband surgery on 1/10/12 & at my 1st doctor's appointment the other day I was down 15 pounds (even though my scale at home says more). I am currently in the soft food stage & I am needing seasoning. My dietican stated I needed texture...I could care less about texture...give me some seasoning. I am staring to offically work out at a gym on Monday.YEAH!!! I have been busy chasing my 3 & 1 year old around though......and reminding them that mommy has owies on her tummy.

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I am so happy for you to have been so successful. I am sure you will beat back that 35 pounds. I am starting to get a little concerned that it is going too well because now I am not quite 3 weeks post op and I can eat some real food already- scrambled egg white, banana, soups. I don't want it to get too easy until I have made a bigger and more permanent change to my lifestyle. But I guess it will start getting better once the Dr. give me the OK to start working out. So Down 19 pounds at last Dr. visit! Yeah - and thanks again for the encouragement!

I took your advice the same day and went out to buy Stevia. As a trial I just bought a small box of packets. I couldn't really test it much since I had a stricture enlarged on the 17th. Strangely I wasn't able to drink after that so for 2 days nothing went down my throat. So 9 days later I can say that Stevia is a winner with me. Doesn't quite tastes like sugar but it's pretty darned close and there is no after taste. Thanks for the tip!

I had my RNY surgery on August 23. When I started the program at Bariatric Solutions in Jan. '11 I was 355 lbs. Today I am 228 lbs and on my goal to lose another 50 pounds or so. It's been a difficult but great journey.

I have had many problems since the surgery but most of them were my mistakes or circumstances beyond anyone's control. I originally did all this to get my hip replaced since it won't allow me to exercise or walk properly. I get the hip replaced on Feb. 20 and I can't wait to get into the gym.

There are some teams for lap band specifically. You might look for one that is headed by ALANOFLINY It is called lap banders. He does a lot of advocating, etc.

I had RNY in 2002 so can give general support. He will really have more specific advice.

Stevia is great. You may also just learn to like fewer things with sweetner. You may find that after a time away from sugar that sweetner is less objectionable. Experimentation is really helpful. Keep tasting different things.

Good morning everyone, looking for some contact/ group for support. I had the realize-lapband done 01/12/2012. So 9 days out after surgery, I have lost 24lbs so far which is a great motivator - still a long way to go. Starting my work out routine today on the treadmill. I hope this site will keep me motivated and on course.

I was 420 in 2002 when I had RNY. I too have gained about 35 pounds over the past several years. I know I'd be disabled or dead without it. It has been a wonderful tool to lose weight. I'm STILL working on the emotional component of obesity even today. I too had to learn to exercise. I exercise 5 or 6 days per week. Thank you for sharing your story!

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